As black history month closes (concludes) I can’t help but to mention just a few black designers of New York Fashion Week who caught my eye. These black designers definitely left their mark on the runway as well as showcase their unique approach to fashion through their collections.

SERGIO HUDSON

First up! Known for dressing stunning celebrities such as singers Beyonce, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez ; Sergio Hudson reigning from South Carolina presented (or debuted) his 2024 fall/winter collection with 46 dazzling looks; which as Tik Tokers would say gave “Rich bitch” vibes. Sergio’s inspo of the 1970s luxurious glam undoubtedly showed throughout this collection. Filled with double breasted coats, velvet two piece suits, and a golden high slit evening gown, not to mention the color palette consisting of deep reds, blues, and browns ; you can say Hudson achieved his feel for expensive looking luxury wear. “I really wanted to beef up the ready to wear, and make it more luxurious” Hudson says. Stunned by his collection this season, I can say the perfect consumer would be a “girl boss”not afraid of showing out in pieces that would make the room stop and stare.

LAQUAN SMITH

Let’s talk about Laquan! Laquan Smith, a New York native previewed his wealth based fall 2024 show at Cipriani 25, an upscale venue that plays directly into his vibe of 1980s wall street. With this collection, Smith wanted to hint on the concept of a sexy confident woman with financial stability ; as she struts to her evening plans in his figure hugging dresses and bodysuits. As models pass by, you can glimpse at Laquan’s attention to tailoring with the cinching of the waist of the jackets and the darts placed into the duster coats. Say what you want about Laquan but he steals the show every time as he pays attention to making his woman consumer feel like the boss she is. “she’s in charge, she’s going to work, she’s going to take you to court,” the designer added with a laugh. “What I want is for her to just zip up the dress and let the magic start,” he added. “Once she makes that journey to the mirror she is ready to go out. And if she doesn’t have a place to go, she will find one, because now she has the dress.”

FREDERICK ANDERSON

And last but not least, we have New York based designer, Frederick Anderson. For his fall collection, Anderson decided to tell a story of the way cultures can come together to show progression, using music as the ringleader ; Anderson’s storytelling abilities through clothing is always a standout characteristic. Loving to use a range of fabrications like sheer slips, leather micro shorts and capes with a dash of his signature crochet separates you can imply, Anderson knows what type of woman he is designing for. All in all, with his music analogy in mind he gives a great example of how cultures can unite and evolve together. “It’s 2024 and we can’t even get along with our next door neighbors,” he said. “If we don’t learn to integrate cultures, we’re at a loss.”